2026 Conference Program
Schedule subject to change without notice
Monday, June 15, 2026 - Subject to Change
8:30AM - 4:30PM CEM Course: Event Marketing
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Registration for the CEM course is separate from Conference Registration. CEM Course: Event Marketing Marketing is not an exact science. It includes a number of strategies and tactics that are constantly evolving so they can address changing social, cultural and economic circumstances effectively. The creation of a marketing plan that includes core practices as well as new ideas, innovations and unique points of view allows for the creation of an exhibition that may have begun as just a concept. The goal of an exhibition is to provide an appropriate environment in which buyers and sellers can come together face to face. Today’s technology increasingly permits the show organizer to extend the useful life of an exhibition by employing digital tools, thus further enriching the show experience. |
EVENT AGENDA (schedule subject to change)
8:00 am – 8:30 am – Course Check-In/Coffee
8:30 am – 10:00 am – Program
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Morning Break
10:15 am – 12:00 pm – Program
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch (on your own)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Program
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm – Afternoon Break
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm – Program
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Self Study
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Exam (Optional)
12:00PM - 6:00PM Registration
1:00PM - 5:00PM ExpoCAN Exhibitor Move In
3:30PM - 5:00PM Facilities Meeting
SPONSORED BY

5:00PM - 6:00PM First Time Attendee Welcome Reception
First time joining us at the CAEM Annual Conference? Don’t miss the First-Timers’ Reception, where this year’s CAEM Team, Conference Co-Chairs and Board of Directors are excited to welcome you and offer some tips and tricks to get the most out of your CAEM and Conference experience.
Join us for a drink and get a head start on this year’s exciting conference Monday between 5:00PM-6:00PM!
Please note: This event is open to first time conference attendees, the CAEM Board and the Conference Co-Chairs (by invitation only).
SPONSORED BY

6:00PM - 8:00PM CAEM Conference Kick Off Reception
SPONSORED BY

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Subject to Change
7:30AM - 8:30AM Breakfast
SPONSORED BY

8:30AM - 9:15AM Annual General Meeting
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
The Annual General Meeting is your opportunity to hear what the association has done and what it plans to do. You are encouraged to attend and exercise your basic membership rights.
WHO MAY ATTEND?
Any CAEM member may attend the meeting. In accordance with our membership participation rights policy, this means any exposition member, or named representative of an associate member company for whom a fee is paid.
WHO MAY VOTE?
Any exposition member in good standing, and the primary designated representative of an associate member company (one per associate member company) in good standing may vote.
Please contact the CAEM office if you are not sure whether you are a voting member. A membership status review will take place prior to the meeting.
WHAT DOES ‘MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING’ MEAN?
It means simply that your 2026 fees have been paid and that the payment has been deposited and cleared. If a fee payment is made at the meeting or a few days before, it must be made by certified cheque or by credit card.
SPONSORED BY

9:15AM - 10:15AM Education Session / Plenary
SPONSORED BY

10:30AM - 1:00PM ExpoCAN Trade Show & Lunch

LUNCH SPONSORED BY

MIMOSA SPONSOR

12:00PM - 1:00PM CAEM Board of Directors Meeting
1:00PM - 2:00PM ExpoCAN Exhibitor Move Out
1:00PM - 2:00PM Education Session
SPONSORED BY

2:15PM - 3:15PM Show Managers Meeting
SPONSORED BY

2:15PM - 3:15PM Associates Meeting
SPONSORED BY

3:15PM - 3:30PM Refreshment Break
SPONSORED BY

3:30PM - 4:30PM Plenary Session - Plenary Session: The AI & Habit Shift Every Event Pro Needs Now
Join this dynamic, high-impact session featuring live AI demos, real-time audience interaction, and practical, real-world examples from trade and consumer shows. Plus, get insights tailored to the Canadian market so you can make smarter decisions about tools, pricing, and your tech stack.
You’ll leave with:
- A powerful new way to think about AI
- A proven framework to break outdated habits
- A smarter, Canada-ready tech strategy
- A workflow you can use immediately
- The confidence to shift from reactive to strategic
Speaker Dahlia El Gazzar has an OMG-attitude about all things event tech and experience design. With over a decade in the meetings and events sector, working on both the professional planning side and as an association collaborator, she’s the coffee-fuelled go-to source for trend-setting solutions, event tech news, and practical strategies built for show organizers.
Dahlia cuts through the hype and gets straight to what matters: real workflows, real tools, and real results. From trade show marketing to exhibitor comms to sponsorship ROI, she brings live demos, hands-on prompts, and unique lens to help event pros stop reacting and start leading with confidence.
SPONSORED BY:

5:00PM - 6:00PM Women in Exhibitions (WIEN) North America Chapter
Please RSVP to the event on our LinkedIn event page
6:00PM - 11:00PM Tuesday Evening Reception & Dinner
SPONSORED BY

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - Subject to Change
8:00AM - 9:00AM Breakfast
SPONSORED BY

9:00AM - 10:30AM Plenary - Facilitated Roundtable Session
Don’t just learn – apply.
Join small-group, high-energy discussions led by Dahlia to tackle your biggest challenges and opportunities.
Dive into topics like:
- AI for marketing, exhibitor communications & sponsorships
- Smarter campaigns, audience targeting & ROI storytelling
- Operations, logistics & floor planning
- Scaling AI from solo planners to large teams
This is where the future of events gets practical.
Facilitator Dahlia El Gazzar has an OMG-attitude about all things event tech and experience design. With over a decade in the meetings and events sector, working on both the professional planning side and as an association collaborator, she’s the coffee-fuelled go-to source for trend-setting solutions, event tech news, and practical strategies built for show organizers.
Dahlia cuts through the hype and gets straight to what matters: real workflows, real tools, and real results. From trade show marketing to exhibitor comms to sponsorship ROI, she brings live demos, hands-on prompts, and unique lens to help event pros stop reacting and start leading with confidence.
SPONSORED BY:

10:30AM - 10:45AM Refreshment Break
SPONSORED BY

10:45AM - 11:45PM Concurrent Session 1a
SPONSORED BY

10:45AM - 11:45PM Concurrent Session 1b
12:00PM - 2:00PM Sponsor & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
SPONSORED BY

2:00PM - 3:00PM Concurrent Session 2a - Roundtables for Exposition Members
SPONSORED BY

2:00PM - 3:00PM Concurrent Session 2b - Roundtables for Associate Members
SPONSORED BY

3:00PM - 3:15PM Refreshment Break
SPONSORED BY

3:15PM - 4:30PM Awards of Excellence
Join us as we celebrate outstanding achievement at our Awards of Excellence celebration. This prestigious program honors individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence across the industry. From creative ingenuity to operational impact, we’ll shine a spotlight on those setting new standards and inspiring others through their work. Don’t miss this inspiring tribute to the best in the business.

SPONSORED BY


6:00PM - 10:00PM Closing Night Dinner
SPONSORED BY





